La Cresta’s public schools score below 77% of California districts on tests and graduation
14% of students in La Cresta’s public schools are proficient in math, below the California average (33%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving La Cresta, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within California, not nationally.
From California state tests taken in spring 2022, when 95% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
La Cresta’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 250 California towns with household incomes within a quarter of La Cresta’s, its schools beat 14%, lower than their 23% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 34% of tested students were proficient in reading and 14% in math, against 47% and 33% statewide; 95% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
85% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86% across California. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
Bakersfield City spends $20,798 per student and Kern High $19,073, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind La Cresta’s grade
C−: better than 23% of California school districts, #814 of 847 California towns. Both inputs trail the California average; graduation is the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve La Cresta, with each school’s own grade.
La Cresta runs its own schools through grade 8 (Bakersfield City School District). From grade 9, students attend the Kern High School District, shared with Arvin, Bakersfield and Shafter. Its school is in Bakersfield. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve La Cresta
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
La Cresta vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share La Cresta’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| La Cresta | C− | Bakersfield City K–8 · Kern High 9–12 |
| Bakersfield | C | Bakersfield City K–8 · Panama-Buena Vista K–8 · Kern High 9–12 |
Every school in La Cresta
62 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with California’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about La Cresta’s schools
Are La Cresta’s schools good?
On California’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools La Cresta children attend score below 77% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C− Schools grade, #814 of 847 California towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 14%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is La Cresta in?
Two districts: Bakersfield City School District runs grades K–8, and Kern High School District runs grades 9–12, shared with Arvin, Bakersfield and Shafter.
Where do La Cresta kids go to high school?
One of 19 high schools, depending on your address: Bakersfield High, Arvin High, Ridgeview High, Highland High, Stockdale High, Liberty High, East Bakersfield High, Independence High, Golden Valley High, Centennial High, West High, North High, South High, Frontier High, Mira Monte High, Foothill High, Del Oro High, Shafter High and Kern Valley High.
What is La Cresta’s graduation rate?
85% of the class of 2023 in Kern High School District graduated in four years, against 86% across California.
How much does La Cresta spend per student?
$20,798 in Bakersfield City School District and $19,073 in Kern High School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What La Cresta families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near La Cresta → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within California. Stars are from neighbors.